It was first described and named in 1821 by the Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries, initially as Agaricus felleus, before being placed in the genus Russula in 1838.

Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin adjective felleus meaning "biliary", in reference to its bitter taste, reminiscent of bile.

The gills are adnexed, and are the same colour as the stem, giving a spore print that is white to pale cream.

[2] Russula fellea appears in autumn, and is found with beech (Fagus) in Britain, but in Europe it sometimes occurs with spruce (Picea).

It is normally associated with well-drained acid soils, and is widespread in the northern temperate zones; Britain; Europe, and Asia.